The food is authentic and traditional. The Macarena First Class Lemonade is the best in town. The show stopper is the service, it is outstanding. From the moment you walk in to the moment you walk out. You leave with a full stomach and a big smile on your face. I will be returning to La Macerena soon, hungry for more.
I’ve traveled extensively across Latin America, from Argentina to Mexico. I’ve fallen in love with the cuisine of the region, which is as vibrant and diverse as its people. La Macarena offered a dining experience as rich as any I have enjoyed in my travels. The colorful decor, lazily spinning fans, and wooden chairs and tables made me feel as if I was sitting down to eat at a cafe in San Salvador. Everything from the table to the bathroom was impeccably clean. The staff were very attentive and friendly, making me feel like I was a longtime customer. The food, simply put, was remarkable. It was obvious La Macarena uses the freshest, highest quality ingredients. I ordered the Mixed Grill, and the portions were generous. The carne asada and shrimp were perfectly seasoned and grilled. The medley of flavors sent me on a nostalgic trip to homemade meals I’ve enjoyed in kitchens up and down the Andes. La Macarena is a gem of a restaurant in a city known for its gastronomy.
What a gem! I tried my first pupusas tonight and our delightful server was so helpful and fun! The food was very tasty and fresh! The atmosphere is cute and casual. I love this place and it’s bright energy. Can’t wait to go back! Congratulations on 20 years in business! Thank you for a wonderful dinner experience!
This was an amazing place, food spectacular and the owner Manny was so welcoming we felt like family. It is a very quaint place with good vibes. The pics speak for themselves, get the Papusa and try the authentic dishes. Ask him to lead you down a cultural road to the best food in the region.
Thanks Manny
Great staff, fun atmosphere. Menu looks fantastic, and you'll likely want to eat everything. If you're uncertain, let Manny be your guide on the culinary adventure and you will not be disappointed.
The menu appeals to a wide variety of palate, carnivores and herbivores alike.
The garlic, olive oil shrimps were fresh, wonderfully seasoned and Manny wasn't kidding when he emphasized the word "jumbo" numerous times!
My first time trying pupusas...and OH.MY.GOSH those were soooo good! The beans tasted amazing too. Everything tasted great. The owner is a fun guy, makes you feel welcomed. I thought the chips with guacamole were a bit spicy, so he brought more mild just for me. Definitely coming back. If I could give more than 5 stars for this experience, I'd totally do it.
Got a sausage sampler and sangria to start. Flavorful and very tasty but was off menu. Very friendly and accommodating. The papusa and tamales were perfectly executed, fresh, tasty. The sauces add a bit of spice, a bit of cooling, as desired. The beans can be eaten but make a great dip on their own. Definitely going back again.
Good food, we really enjoyed what we chose. Not an expert in this type of cuisine but I had eaten pupusas before and these were great and tasted fresh. However, we agreed that, in spite of this, the price is not in line with the food, too expensive for us to eat here again. This is a cash-only establishment.
WE'LL BE BACK, AGAIN: Uniquely fantastic latin joint loved by travelers & locals alike. Large portions, lively atmosphere and great place to bring guests. Heads up -- this award winning eatery is prominent in Nola publications & foodie socials, so the place is often busy even before the dinner rush. Next time, we'll probably call ahead.
My oh my. Came here randomly with a buddy, both out of towners. We had some time to kill and wanted something different and ended up here. Empty at lunch but we were warmly welcomed by the owner. We each had a passionfruit marg, he had a vegan platter and I had pupusa and flautas. The food was delicious. I’d not had pupusa’s before and these were light, flavorful and delicate. Almost like a Bao bun that had a lil charcoal on it. The flautas had been fried but it was so light and airy, no oily or heaviness. The beans and plantains that came with the dishes were so so good! It’s all well priced for the amount and quality. It’s a lovey, little place. It’s great finding these kinds of restaurants in any city, not a meal I’ll quickly forget.
Absolutely delicious and the restaurant has an extensive vegan menu! Had the Gran Vegan which haa a variety (pupusa, tostada and tamale with beans and plantain). Had food with a horchata drink - a little on the sweet side but yum!
Service was great, friendly and the server made sure all wa happy. Food was served hot.
OMG, great place to eat, drink and enjoy with family. The atmosphere is great, plus Manny, the owner is a great host. We'll definitely come back!
Wow!! Amazing in all aspects!! The food was delicious, and the service was impeccable. Very authentic. Delicioso !!
The owner is phenomenal, would come again in a heartbeat!!
Sorry the photo was after I started eating!!
We had an outstanding experience! Every dish was delightful, with a special mention to the delicious chicharron pupusas and flan. The service was exceptional, and we're eagerly anticipating our next visit!
I visited La Macarena a few years ago and never forgot it . It's hard finding vegan food that's not impossible burgers and fries. La Macarena has authentic Latin dishes that are delicious, and always made fresh per order . I'm in love with their plantains, black beans, and papusas. They do not serve alcoholic drinks , but you can bring your own . Service is always great, friendly and accommodating. I recommend and will be back !
Will definitely be back! The entire back side of the menu is completely vegan! Even the beans are vegan, no lard just olive oil from Spain, they are the best black beans I’ve had. A big variety of menu options. Manny the owner is such a wonderful person. The food is absolutely delicious, made fresh from scratch with local ingredients too. Big portions made with love. If you haven’t tried this, you must! I can’t wait to go back and have the bean soup and try the other entrees.
I absolutely love this place it has the best guacamole and chips, and the papusas are phenomenal. The owner is the nicest and most funniest restaurant owner I have ever met. This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants as a New Orleans native I know good food and this place is definitely good food. I would 10 out of 10 recommend anyone to go here!
The dining experience at this place was excellent. Having visited twice, I've had the opportunity to engage with both the staff and the owner and from these interactions on separate occasions, it's evident that they truly contribute to the welcoming and cozy ambiance of La Macarena Pupuseria & Latin Cafe. The inviting atmosphere of the restaurant complements the delightful, fresh, and authentic cuisine. The food was delicious, and I'm looking forward to returning and trying more things on the menu. If it's your first visit, don't miss out on the pupusas – they're a must-try. I recommend gathering with a small group to fully enjoy the experience and connect with one another, as encouraged by the manager, Manny.
It was so amazing!! I got the mint limeade and it was super good, I am definitely going back there soon! Our server was amazing and we even were able to talk to the owner and he's the coolest guy you'll ever meet! The homemade tortillas with the refried black beans just hit the spot. I also had the grilled pork chop and it was better than mom's back home. Idk how they do that but they did!
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